Car hire for young drivers — those under 25 — involves navigating a patchwork of age restrictions, additional surcharges and varying policies that differ significantly between suppliers, countries and vehicle types. This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly what to expect, and how to minimise the extra cost.
The young driver surcharge: how it works
Most car hire companies classify "young drivers" as those aged 21–24 and charge a daily surcharge on top of the base rental rate. The amount varies significantly:
- In Europe: typically €5–15 per day. On a 10-day rental, that's €50–150 extra.
- In the USA: typically $15–30 per day — significantly higher than Europe. US law prevents suppliers from denying hire to under-25s in most states, but they can and do charge heavily.
- In Australia/NZ: typically AUD/NZD $15–25 per day.
- At 18–20: Many suppliers impose minimum age restrictions of 21. Those who do rent to 18–20 year olds charge even higher surcharges and restrict available vehicle types.
Minimum age requirements by country
- UK: 17 is the legal minimum in law; most suppliers require 21+, some accept 18+ with surcharges.
- Spain, Italy, France: 18+ at most suppliers (with surcharge). Some premium vehicles require 25+.
- USA: 21+ at most suppliers. Some accept 18–20 at select locations (very high surcharges).
- Australia: 21+ at most suppliers. Some accept 18+ with surcharges and vehicle restrictions.
- Thailand, Bali, Vietnam: 21+ is standard. Local rules apply and enforcement varies.
Vehicle restrictions for young drivers
Even where young drivers are accepted, vehicle categories are often restricted. Under-25s are typically barred from:
- Premium, luxury and sports car categories
- Larger SUVs and 7-seaters
- Vans and people carriers above a certain size
- Some "specialty" vehicles
Economy, compact, small SUV and standard categories are usually available without restriction (beyond the surcharge).
Best suppliers for young drivers
Surcharge amounts vary considerably between suppliers for the same car on the same dates. When comparing:
- Enterprise and National are generally regarded as among the more young-driver-friendly majors in the US and UK, with relatively competitive surcharge rates.
- Europcar and Sixt tend to have clearly stated young driver policies that are easy to find at booking.
- Local and regional suppliers in Southern Europe (especially Spain and Portugal) often charge lower young driver fees than the multinational brands.
How to minimise young driver costs
- Compare total prices including surcharges — always ensure the young driver surcharge is included in any price comparison. Some sites show the base rate only and add surcharges at checkout.
- Book direct when possible — some suppliers offer lower young driver fees when booking directly rather than through third-party comparison sites.
- Consider longer rentals — daily surcharges add up fast. For trips of 14+ days, some suppliers cap the total young driver fee at a fixed amount.
- Travel with an older co-driver — if you're travelling with someone 25+, check whether having them as the primary driver reduces the surcharge. Some suppliers apply the surcharge only if a young driver is the primary, not additional, driver.
- Choose destinations wisely — Southern Europe generally imposes lower young driver surcharges than Northern Europe or the USA. Spain, Portugal and Greece are among the best-value young driver destinations.
At the rental desk: what to bring
- Your full, valid driving licence — in the country of issue for at least 1 year at most suppliers
- A credit card in your own name with sufficient credit limit for the security deposit
- Your passport or photo ID
- Your booking confirmation showing the agreed young driver surcharge
If the desk quotes a higher surcharge than you were shown at booking, refer to your confirmation and ask for a manager if needed. The amount shown at booking should be honoured.